There were some strange words floating around the FleetCenter last night - words that haven't been heard around the Celtics since the days when they played in an old dump next door (smile when you say that).

The Celts had a chance to move into first place in the Atlantic Division. But after doing their part and moving to 10-6, the Nets slapped the Suns to stay a half-game ahead. Jim O'Brien remains unmoved.

``Personally I don't care, because it's too early,'' he said. ``I'm glad we're 10-6 and I'm glad that we have a 5-3 road (mark) and a 5-3 record here and we're playing defense. First place only counts if you're there at the end of the year. And there's a long way to go. You've just got to win the next basketball game. That's what we have to do. Don't worry about any hype any more than disregard criticism.